Category: UK Holidays

Take a look at a recent article from Chepstow Today about UK tourism and our involvement through uktourism.co.uk

The Forest has been named as one of the seven natural wonders of Britain.

IT’S official – the Forest of Dean has been named one of the seven natural wonders of Britain for its appeal to holidaymakers.

To celebrate British Tourism Week which ended on Sunday, uktourism.co.uk have created the list of locations spread across the four corners of Britain.

They range from unspoilt beaches to a breathtaking waterfall.

Ginna Clark from uktourism.co.uk said: “Britain is blessed with a variety of natural wonders and awe-inspiring landscapes, some of which are almost unheard of.

“We’re hoping this list will inspire people to not only holiday in Britain, but explore some great attractions off the beaten track.”

The site says of the Forest: “The enchanting Forest of Dean covers 42 square miles of Gloucestershire and is one of the last surviving ancient forests of Britain.
“Featuring dense woodland and trickling streams the idyllic forest is home to an abundance of wildlife including deer and even wild boar.

Take a look at a recent article from This Is Cornwall about UK tourism and our involvement through uktourism.co.uk

Cape Cornwall, tucked away in West Cornwall, was one of the locations highlighted to celebrate British Tourism Week, which ends tomorrow.

Designed to encourage people to seek out the little known landscape delights, the list features unspoiled beaches, breathtaking waterfalls and fascinating rock formations.

Ginna Clark from www. uktourism.co.uk, which compiled the chart, said she hoped it would throw a spotlight on places truly worth seeing.

“Britain is blessed with a variety of natural wonders and awe-inspiring landscapes, some of which are almost unheard of. We’re hoping this list will inspire people to not only holiday in Britain, but explore some great attractions.”

A cape is the headland where two oceans or channels meet, with Cape Cornwall the spot where the English Channel and St George’s Channel clash. Also on the list is Rannerdale Knotts in Cumbria, the unusual rock formations of The Roaches in Staffordshire and Gloucestershire’s Forest of Dean.

Take a look at a recent article from Travelio about UK tourism and our involvement through uktourism.co.uk

More British holidaymakers are choosing to holiday in the UK, not only to save money in the tough economic climate, but also to decrease their carbon footprint, claims web portal uktourism.co.uk.

Commenting on British Tourism Week, which runs from 12 to 20 March, Ginna Clark from uktourism.co.uk explains, “Consumers are becoming increasingly concerned about the impact of their lifestyles on the environment and the case for reducing your carbon footprint by enjoying holidays in our own fantastic islands is very compelling for the green holidaymaker.”

A 2009 poll by YouGov found that 54% of Brits have become more concerned about the environmental impact of flying over the last five years. The results of this poll may explain why more British people are considering holidaying at home instead of jetting off to continental Europe for example.

By avoiding flights, and instead driving or taking the train to a British holiday destination, a carbon footprint can be decreased significantly. For example, a family a four flying from London to Tenerife and back would be responsible for around 10 tonnes of carbon dioxide (CO2) being released into the atmosphere. On the other hand, the same family of four could drive from London to Kendal in the Lake District, and back, releasing only 0.2 tonnes of carbon dioxide in the process. In other words, by choosing the Lake District as a holiday destination a family would produce only two per-cent of the emissions that they would by flying to a European destination such as Spain.

The benefits for the planet become even more apparent when you consider the environmental impact of long-haul flights, such as Manchester to Orlando, in Florida. A family of four would be responsible for emitting up to 13.1 tonnes of carbon dioxide into the planet’s atmosphere. However, a family of four driving from Manchester to St Austell in Cornwall, home of the Eden project, would only create just 0.25 tonnes of carbon dioxide.

In the current economic climate, holidaying in Britain may prove to not only be more practical for many families but also much more cost effective. Ginna Clark from uktourism.co.uk suggests “People may find planning their summer holiday difficult, due to financial circumstances – but there are great savings to be made by holidaying in the UK.”

“We have found that at a time when everybody’s household budget is under pressure that more and more people are looking into holidaying in Britain this year, with Devon, Cornwall and the Lake District looking like the most popular areas for this year,” she added.

A wide range of regional and special interest UK holiday brochures can be found at uktourism.co.uk

*CO2 emissions calculated using Carbonica’s Carbon Footprint Calculator.

Take a look at a recent article from Travelio about UK tourism and our involvement through uktourism.co.uk

The locations are spread across the four corners of Britain and range from unspoilt beaches to a breathtaking waterfall. Ginna Clark from uktourism explained, “Britain is blessed with a variety of natural wonders and awe-inspiring landscapes, some of which are almost unheard of. We’re hoping this list will inspire people to not only holiday in Britain, but explore some great attractions off the beaten track.”

1. Horsey Beach, Norfolk.
Featuring rolling dunes of golden sand, this windswept beach is almost deserted due to the poor access routes for cars and larger vehicles. However, the adventurous traveller can experience one of the best beaches that Britain’s east coast has to offer. Open between spring and autumn (as it is a breeding ground for seals during the winter) the beach and surrounding broads offer charming tranquillity.

2. Cape Cornwall, Cornwall.
Cape Cornwall is the only cape in England and features some of the most breathtaking views in the country. A little known fact is the definition as to what a ‘cape’ really is – it is a headland where two oceans or channels meet. In this case the English Channel and St Georges Channel. The surrounding countryside, ruins of former mines and waves crashing on the rocks below are symbolic of the Cornish coastal landscape.

3. Rannerdale Knotts, Cumbria.
Rannerdale Knotts is a fell (or mountain) in the heart of the Lake District, featuring some of the greatest views that the national park has to offer. Though one of the smaller Cumbrian hills, the views overlooking lake Crummock Water and Scale Force, the highest waterfall in the Lake District are breathtaking.

4. Benmore Botanic Garden, Argyll and Bute.
Regardless of the weather, an exploration of this magical place is guaranteed to provide an uplifting experience. Though the gardens can only be reached by river crossing, the short trip across the river Eachaig. Featuring hundreds of different species of plants and trees, including 15ft tall Giant Sequoias which occurs naturally only on the borders of the Sierra Nevada mountains, in California. The high rainfall and mild winters suit many of the more unusual species of rhododendrons, magnolias and nothofagus grown.

5. The Roaches, Staffordshire.
Deep in the Peak District national park the Roaches are a set of rocks, which in themselves are an unusual geological feature that have never really been explained. At the highest point of the rocks you can turn on the spot and only see a couple of country cottages in the distance. It is also said that a group of Wallabies dwell in the area, having been released in the 19th century.

6. Forest of Dean, Gloucestershire.
The enchanting Forest of Dean covers 42 square miles of Gloucestershire and is one of the last surviving ancient forests of Britain. Featuring dense woodland and trickling streams the idyllic forest is home to an abundance of wildlife including deer and even wild boar.

7. Pistyll Rhaeadr, near Llanrhaeadr.
In the heart of the Berwyn Mountains, Pistyll Rhaeadr is an awe-inspiring 73 metre tall waterfall which is one of the seven wonders of Wales. Author George Borrow, in his book Wild Wales, remarked of the waterfall: “What shall I liken it to? I scarcely know, unless it is to an immense skein of silk agitated and disturbed by tempestuous blasts, or to the long tail of a grey courser at furious speed. I never saw water falling so gracefully, so much like thin, beautiful threads as here.”

A wide selection of brochures is available on uktourism to coincide with UK Tourism Week and to encourage holidaymakers to “choose the UK”. Everyone who registers on the website will stand a chance of winning a £1000 luxury UK holiday this year.

Take a look at a recent article from Wales Online about UK tourism and our involvement through uktourism.co.uk

A SPECTACULAR Welsh waterfall has been named by tourism chiefs as one of the seven wonders of Britain.

At 240ft high, Pistyll Rhaeadr in the Berwyn Mountains, close to Lake Vyrnwy in Mid Wales, is the UK’s tallest single drop waterfall.

The waterfall has been included among the seven natural wonders released to celebrate British Tourism Week 2011.

Ginna Clark from www.uktourism.co.uk said: “Britain is blessed with a variety of natural wonders and awe-inspiring landscapes, some of which are almost unheard of.

“We’re hoping this list will inspire people to not only holiday in Britain, but explore some great attractions off the beaten track.”

The other six wonders are: Horsey Beach, Norfolk; Cape Cornwall, Cornwall; Rannerdale Knotts fell in Cumbria; Benmore Botanic Garden, Argyll and Bute; The Roaches rocks, Staffordshire and the Forest of Dean, Gloucestershire.

Take a look at a recent article from This Is Devon about UK tourism and our involvement through uktourism.co.uk

According to travel website uktourism.co.uk, information about Devon and Cornwall was the most requested by people searching for a holiday.
Three brochures from Devon and two from Cornwall dominated the top ten list.

Ginna Clark from uktourism.co.uk said it seemed that visitors could not get enough of a region whose attractions ranged from spectacular natural beauty to top-notch visitor centres.

“It’s no great surprise that the Westcountry continues to attract vast numbers of tourists thanks to its milder climate and outstanding scenery and beaches,” she said.

The survey was published ahead of British Tourism Week which will be starting on Saturday.

Take a look at a recent article from Club Doc Online about UK tourism and our involvement through uktourism.co.uk

On the eve of British Tourism Week 2011, which runs from March 12th – 20th , uktourism, one of the leading portals promoting holidays in the UK, has surveyed its database to create a list of seven must see ‘hidden gems’ for British tourists to explore.

The locations are spread across the four corners of Britain and range from unspoilt beaches to the UK’s smallest pub.

Ginna Clark from uktourism explained, “There are plenty of different areas around Britain that spring to mind when think of holidaying in the UK. We know already that Devon, Cornwall and The Lake District will top the list of the UK’s favourite British holiday destinations this year but there are many relatively undiscovered spots that are still almost unheard of to a lot of people. We’re hoping this list will inspire people to not only holiday in Britain, but to explore some great attractions off the beaten track.”

A wide selection of brochures is available on uktourism to coincide with UK Tourism Week and to encourage holidaymakers to “choose the UK”. Everyone who registers on the website will stand a chance of winning a £1000 luxury UK holiday this year.

1. Horsey Beach, Norfolk.
Featuring rolling dunes of golden sand, this windswept beach is almost deserted due to the poor access routes for cars and larger vehicles. However, the adventurous traveller can experience one of the best beaches that Britain’s east coast has to offer. Open between spring and autumn (as it is a breeding ground for seals during the winter) the beach and surrounding broads offer charming tranquillity.

2. Cape Cornwall, Cornwall.
Cape Cornwall is the only cape in England and features some of the most breathtaking views in the country. A little known fact is the definition as to what a ‘cape’ really is – it is a headland where two oceans or channels meet. In this case the English Channel and St Georges Channel. The surrounding countryside, ruins of former mines and waves crashing on the rocks below are symbolic of the Cornish coastal landscape.

3. Pistyll Rhaeadr, near Llanrhaeadr.
In the heart of the Berwyn Mountains, Pistyll Rhaeadr is an enchanting 73 metre tall waterfall which is one of the seven wonders of Wales. Author George Borrow, in his book Wild Wales, remarked of the waterfall: “What shall I liken it to? I scarcely know, unless it is to an immense skein of silk agitated and disturbed by tempestuous blasts, or to the long tail of a grey courser at furious speed. I never saw water falling so gracefully, so much like thin, beautiful threads as here.”

4. Snaefell Mountain Railway, Isle of Man.
Hailed as the only place in Britain where on a clear day, you can view England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, the mountain railway operates at the highest point on the island. The 100 year-old railways runs from the town of Laxey to the top of the island’s highest mountain, Snaefell.

5. Benmore Botanic Garden, Argyll and Bute.
Regardless of the weather, an exploration of this magical place is guaranteed to provide an uplifting experience. Though the gardens can only be reached by river crossing, the short trip across the river Eachaig. Featuring hundreds of different species of plants and trees, including 15ft tall Giant Sequoias which occurs naturally only on the borders of the Sierra Nevada mountains, in California. The high rainfall and mild winters suit many of the more unusual species of rhododendrons, magnolias and nothofagus grown.

6. The Roaches, Peak District, Derbyshire.
Deep in the Peak District national park the Roaches are a set of rocks, which in themselves are an unusual geological feature that have never really been explained. At the highest point of the rocks you can turn on the spot and only see a couple of country cottages in the distance. It is also said that a group of Wallabies dwell in the area, having been released in the 19th century.

7. The Nutshell Pub, Suffolk.
With a bar that measures just 15ft by 7ft, The Nutshell proudly holds the title of smallest pub in Britain as confirmed in the Guinness Book of Records. Located in the heart of the historic Bury St Edmunds in Suffolk, The Nutshell has been proud to serve customers jostling for a place at the bar since it first started serving beer in 1867.

Take a look at a recent article from Holiday Lettings Cornwall about UK tourism and our involvement through uktourism.co.uk

Glorious beaches around the Westcountry have topped the British charts to find the country’s best seaside destinations – with one West bay named among the finest in Europe.

St Ives, in West Cornwall, whose craggy headland boasts an array of stunning and safe beaches, was voted the top UK beach resort according to contributors to the TripAdvisor website.

The town’s sandy delights were also named sixth best in Europe, beating competition from the likes of Majorca, Sicily and Sardinia.

Malcolm Bell, head of tourism at VisitCornwall, said St Ives was a worthy winner. He said: “This award is an amazing testament to the popularity of St Ives which is truly one of the jewels in Cornwall’s crown.”

“As well as stunning beaches it has a range of quality accommodation and fantastic attractions making it appeal to visitors of all ages and interests.”

TripAdvisor is the world’s largest travel site, and as well as accolades for St Ives, the company’s first-ever Travellers’ Choice Beach Awards provided good news for destinations across the Westcountry.

The surfers’ paradise offered by Newquay’s stunning beaches gave it second place in the British list, with Bournemouth third and Weymouth fourth.

Woolacombe in North Devon came in at seventh, while Padstow was voted eighth.

Mr Bell added: “For Newquay and Padstow to also be recognised puts Cornwall head and shoulders above other destinations.

“It is fantastic and, most importantly, these awards are voted for by visitors themselves.”

TripAdvisor spokeswoman Emma O’Boyle said it was no surprise that St Ives had triumphed as it is also home to one of the UK’s top-ranked hotels on TripAdvisor, the Boskerris Hotel.

The St Ives beaches of Porthmeor and Porthminster were particularly highly rated by TripAdvisor travellers, while other popular, non-beach attractions such as the Barbara Hepworth Museum and Sculpture Garden, Brooks Smith Gallery and Wills Lane Gallery, were also well-rated.

Miss O’Boyle said the awards prove what fantastic holidays we have on our doorsteps.

She said: “These awards recognise the best beach destinations in Britain and Europe as decided by millions of travellers. A British beach resort has out-classed all European counterparts.”

Take a look at a recent article from This Is Devon about UK tourism and our involvement through uktourism.co.uk

The Westcountry’s magnificent beaches and unspoilt countryside have netted it top spot in the league of Britain’s holiday destinations.

According to travel website www.uktourism.co.uk, information about Devon and Cornwall was the most requested by people searching for a holiday.

Three brochures from Devon and two from Cornwall dominated the top ten list, beating Cumbria and the Lake District, East Anglia and perennial favourite Blackpool.

Ginna Clark from www. uktourism.co.uk said it seems that visitors could not get enough of a region whose attractions ranged from spectacular natural beauty to top notch visitor centres.

“It’s no great surprise that the Westcountry continues to attract vast numbers of tourists thanks to its milder climate and outstanding scenery and beaches,” she said.

“Cornwall is clearly a draw for surfers, and our Gardens of Cornwall brochure, which includes the world-renowned Lost Gardens of Heligan and The Eden Project, has been one of our most popular.”

Other areas in the South West also fared well, she said.

“Neighbouring Dorset is also still growing in popularity despite not making the top ten, in fact the number of requests so far in 2011 has already doubled from this time last year.”

The survey was published ahead of British Tourism Week which starts on March 12 Riding high… the Westcountry tops the UK’s holiday destinations.

Take a look at a recent article from This Is Exeter about UK tourism and our involvement through uktourism.co.uk

The Westcountry’s magnificent beaches and unspoilt countryside have netted it top spot in the league of Britain’s holiday destinations.

According to travel website www.uktourism.co.uk, information about Devon and Cornwall was the most requested by people searching for a holiday.

Three brochures from Devon and two from Cornwall dominated the top ten list, beating Cumbria and the Lake District, East Anglia and perennial favourite Blackpool.

Ginna Clark from www. uktourism.co.uk said it seems that visitors could not get enough of a region whose attractions ranged from spectacular natural beauty to top notch visitor centres.

“It’s no great surprise that the Westcountry continues to attract vast numbers of tourists thanks to its milder climate and outstanding scenery and beaches,” she said.

“Cornwall is clearly a draw for surfers, and our Gardens of Cornwall brochure, which includes the world-renowned Lost Gardens of Heligan and The Eden Project, has been one of our most popular.”

Other areas in the South West also fared well, she said.

“Neighbouring Dorset is also still growing in popularity despite not making the top ten, in fact the number of requests so far in 2011 has already doubled from this time last year.”

The survey was published ahead of British Tourism Week which starts on March 12.

Riding high… the Westcountry tops the UK’s holiday destinations

The Westcountry’s magnificent beaches and unspoilt countryside have netted it top spot in the league of Britain’s holiday destinations.

According to travel website www.uktourism.co.uk, information about Devon and Cornwall was the most requested by people searching for a holiday.

Three brochures from Devon and two from Cornwall dominated the top ten list, beating Cumbria and the Lake District, East Anglia and perennial favourite Blackpool.

Ginna Clark from www. uktourism.co.uk said it seems that visitors could not get enough of a region whose attractions ranged from spectacular natural beauty to top notch visitor centres.

“It’s no great surprise that the Westcountry continues to attract vast numbers of tourists thanks to its milder climate and outstanding scenery and beaches,” she said.

“Cornwall is clearly a draw for surfers, and our Gardens of Cornwall brochure, which includes the world-renowned Lost Gardens of Heligan and The Eden Project, has been one of our most popular.”

Other areas in the South West also fared well, she said.

“Neighbouring Dorset is also still growing in popularity despite not making the top ten, in fact the number of requests so far in 2011 has already doubled from this time last year.”

The survey was published ahead of British Tourism Week which starts on March 12.