Saturday 31 January 2015

York Getaway


Beechwood Close Hotel

Llandudno - Ambassador Hotel


Ambassador Hotel

£79 for a two night break in Llandudno for 2, with breakfasts, Bucks Fizz & afternoon tea - View Details

Ambassador Hotel


Snow in the UK - Pictures




More snow to come: An Arctic blast will sweep across Britain this weekend bringing more extreme weather. Pictured, Curbar, Derbyshire today
 Pictured, Curbar, Derbyshire today
Braving the cold: A woman shields herself with an umbrella in Banstead, Surrey today as freezing conditions spread to the south of the UK

Banstead, Surrey today as freezing conditions spread to the south of the UK
Job commitment: A postman makes his morning rounds in Surrey today where a layer of snow has settled on the ground

A postman makes his morning rounds in Surrey today where a layer of snow has settled on the ground

The Met Office has issued yellow warnings - urging the public to be aware - for ice across the entire country. Above Bretton, Derbyshire
Bretton, Derbyshire

Philip Mansfield posted this photo on Twitter today showing a deep layer of snow covering Rishworth Moor in West Yorkshire
Rishworth Moor in West Yorkshire

A Level 3, or severe weather warning, has been issued across the North and West of England, affecting snow-hit Derbyshire, above
Derbyshire - The Barrel Inn Bretton




Elegant City Break in Harrogate with Dining Option - Children Stay Free The Yorkshire Hotel



Elegant City Break in Harrogate with Dining Option - Children Stay Free

The Yorkshire Hotel
What You Get
  • For £49 per night (worth up to £90) enjoy a Standard Double Room for two people with breakfast
  • For £69 per night (worth up to £140.90) enjoy a Standard Double Room, a three-course dinner for two people and breakfast
  • If you upgrade to the great value dining option, relish a stunning selection of Yorkshire produce and local favourites
What to Do in Harrogate
  • Take a short walk from the hotel to Betty’s Tea Room, offering specialty teas, chocolates and cake since the early 20th century
  • Explore the rich history and culture of the spa town of Harrogate by experiencing its varied historic attractions, soothing spa treatments and glorious gardens
  • Venture into the stunning green countryside of the Yorkshire Dales and make a beeline for York, a city of Vikings, minsters and folklore

The Old House Hotel & Restaurant - Wickham



Wickham Luxury Stay for Two with a Three-Course Dinner and Breakfast

The Old House Hotel & Restaurant
What you Get
  • For £109 per night (worth up to £219.70), enjoy a Luxury Double room with a three-course dinner and breakfast for two
  • Your Luxury double room will include flat screen TV, WiFi and gorgeous views of the historic village square of Wickham
  • Enjoy a divine three-course meal, as well as breakfast in the morning
What to Do
  • Walk around the historic Wickham Square and explore the myriad of 15 century cottages and beautifully preserved Georgian houses
  • Visit the tranquil Wickham Water Meadows and enjoy a wondrous riverside picnic in the centre of town
  • Enjoy a spot of golf at Wickham Park Golf Course, or visit Chiphall Lake Trout Fishery for a relaxing fishing trip

Kent - Rowhill Grange and Utopia Spa



Stylish Kent Getaway for Two with Spa Access and Dining

Rowhill Grange and Utopia Spa £169 Per Night
What You Get
  • Enjoy a Luxury Double room for two adults with spa access, £35 dining allowance each and breakfast
  • To view a sample menu click here
What to Do
  • Unwind in the luscious spa facilities, which include pools, bubble tubs, pressure jets and a relaxing steam room
  • Dine in the sumptuous double AA Rosette winning RG’s Restaurant
  • Explore the beautifully manicured grounds and gardens 

Friday 30 January 2015

Valentine's Warwickshire Spa, Dinner & Prosecco


From £199 (at The Belfry, Warwickshire) for a 1-night Valentine's stay for 2 people inc. a 4-course dinner, bottle of Prosecco and spa access!

Valentine's Warwickshire Spa, Dinner & Prosecco for 2 From £199 (at The Belfry, Warwickshire) for a 1-night Valentine's stay for 2 people inc. a 4-course dinner, bottle of Prosecco and spa access! - View Details

From £199 (at The Belfry, Warwickshire) for a 1-night Valentine's stay for 2 people inc. a 4-course dinner, bottle of Prosecco and spa access!

February at the Natural History Museum at Tring



Wildlife Photographer of the Year
© Will Jenkins
© Will Jenkins
Now in its fiftieth year, the acclaimed competition showcases the rich array of life on our planet, reflecting its beauty and highlighting its fragility.
The award-winning photographs include 11 year old Will Jenkins 'Green Dragon' taken on a family holiday in Costa Rica. 
Extended until 19 April 2015
Free
Find out more
Evening event for adults
Mike Hutchinson has delved into the darkest corners of the Tring Mansion’s history to discover all its previous owners, from Henry Guy to the Performing Arts School. Find out what impact they've had and how they changed the building.
Tring Mansion from Wren to the Performing Arts School
Thursday 19 February

19.00-20.00
Tickets £4.50


Find out more and book tickets
Family activities 
Bird Feeders
12 February
Workshops at 11.00 and 14.00
Tickets £1.50

Funky Photo Frames
16 and 17 February
Workshops at 10.15, 10.45, 11.15,14.30 and 15.00
Tickets £1.50

Den Building in Tring Park
18 February
Activity at 10.30 and 14.00
Free


Find out more and book tickets
Build a bird box
Take part in an exciting workshop to build your own bird box, ready for Spring.
19 February
One-hour workshops at 10.15, 11.15, 14.30 and 15.30
Tickets £8 per box 
Find out more 
What's on at Tring
© Marc Montes
© Marc Montes
Look out for our latest What's On leaflet full of exciting activities and events coming up from March to June.
Booking opens 12 February
View the leaflet
Valentine's Day gifts
Unique gift ideas for the one you love. Jewellery inspired by the birds and the bees, accessories in shades of pink and grey, suave cufflinks and one-of-a-kind mineral pieces for your one and only - a timeless Valentine's Day gift.
Buy now
What's on at the Museum in London
Coral Reefs: Secret Cities of the Sea
Explore the weird and wonderful creatures of coral reefs. The exhibition will include over 250 specimens, a live aquarium and interactives.
Opens 27 March 2015
Find out more and book exhibition tickets

Disneyland Paris, Ferry & Coach - 10 Pick-Up Locations £99


£99 for a Disneyland® trip inc. Disney® day pass & coach from 10 locations, £109 for Valentine's trip with Coach Innovations - save up to 34%

Disneyland Paris, Ferry & Coach - 10 Pick-Up Locations £99 for a Disneyland® trip inc. Disney® day pass & coach from 10 locations, £109 for Valentine's trip with Coach Innovations - save up to 34% - View Offer Details
£99 for a Disneyland® trip inc. Disney® day pass & coach from 10 locations, £109 for Valentine's trip with Coach Innovations - save up to 34%

Half Day Equestrian Experience


£39 instead of £100 for a half-day horse riding experience and afternoon tea at Trent Park Equestrian Centre, Oakwood - save 61%

Half Day Equestrian Experience and Cream Tea at Trent Park£39 instead of £100 for a half-day horse riding experience and afternoon tea at Trent Park Equestrian Centre, Oakwood - save 61% - Buy Offer

£39 instead of £100 for a half-day horse riding experience and afternoon tea at Trent Park Equestrian Centre, Oakwood - save 61%

Race Day, Guided Tour & Wine for 2


£35 for a day at the races for 2 inc. behind the scenes tour & glass of wine each from Activity Superstore, 15 UK locations – save 50%

Race Day, Guided Tour & Wine for 2 - 15 UK Locations!£35 for a day at the races for 2 inc. behind the scenes tour & glass of wine each from Activity Superstore, 15 UK locations – save 50%  - Buy Offer

Bath - The Ayrlington Hotel



Bath: 1 or 2 Nights For Two With Breakfast and Glass of Wine on Arrival from £89 at The Ayrlington Hotel - View Details


13th Century Scottish borders break


Friars Carse Hotel

£99 for a 2nt 13th Century Scottish borders break for 2 with full English breakfast & 2-course dinner

Friars Carse Hotel - View Offer
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West Lodge Park Hotel



Herts: 1 Night For Two With Breakfast and Three-Course Dinner from £99 at the West Lodge Park Hotel - View Details

Hartwell House



Historic Buckinghamshire National Trust Break with Spa Access and Designer Shopping

Hartwell House
  • For £249 per night (worth up to £354) enjoy a stay for two in a Double room with a three-course seasonal dinner, breakfast each morning and access to the hotel spa
  • Available for Sunday to Friday stays of up to four nights until 31st March 2015 - Saturday nights are available on payment of a £30 supplement to the hotel
  • You'll also receive an exclusive VIP voucher booklet for the famous Bicester Village, offering further discounts at selected stores

Thursday 29 January 2015

The Felbridge Hotel & Spa



West Sussex: 1 Night For Two With Breakfast and Spa Access for £60 at The Felbridge Hotel & Spa - View Details

Seaside Dining Break in Beautiful Somerset The Royal Hotel, Weston-Super-Mare £99




Seaside Dining Break in Beautiful Somerset

The Royal Hotel, Weston-Super-Mare £99
  • For £99 per night (worth up to £181.90) enjoy a Double Room stay for two people with cream tea on arrival, a three-course dinner, Full English breakfast, early check-in and late check-out
  • Whenever possible, you’ll receive a complimentary upgrade to a Seaview room
  • Relish a delicious three-course meal made from the finest local produce
  • Enjoy a lie-in with a relaxingly late check-out of 12:30pm

Elegant Four-Star Break in the Kentish Countryside with Dining Option £59 Jupiter Hotels





  • For £59 per night (worth up to £129) enjoy a Classic Double Room for two people with breakfast
  • For £89 per night (worth up to £173) enjoy a Classic Double Room for two people with a dining allowance and breakfast
  • By upgrading to the dining option, get £22 each to spend on fresh produce deliciously prepared in the brasserie – click here for a sample menu
  • Your large bedroom comes equipped with a flat-screen TV, complimentary WiFi and a welcome tray to make you feel right at home
  • Guests can access the health club facilities at their leisure, including an indoor heated swimming pool, steam room, sauna and spa bath

Historic Windsor Hotel Stay




  • For £89 (worth up to £169), enjoy a one-night stay for two with a two-course buffet dinner, breakfast and late checkout of 12pm next morning

Historic Cotswolds Inn Escape for Two Noel Arms Hote




Historic Cotswolds Inn Escape for Two

Noel Arms Hotel
  • For £69 per night (worth up to £126) enjoy a Classic Double room for two people with a Full English breakfast (Sunday to Thursday)
  • For £99 per night (worth up to £179.10) enjoy a Classic Double Room for two people with a Full English breakfast (Friday to Saturday)
  • Each individually-styled bedroom beautifully combines antiques and stylish decorations with modern creature comforts for a relaxing stay

Wednesday 28 January 2015

Castle Visits - English Heritage


1. Dover Castle, Kent

Standing high above the White Cliffs, Dover Castle has guarded our shores for over 900 years. You won't need quite that long to explore, but our Facebook fans all agree that you need a whole day (maybe two) to uncover everything Dover has to offer, from meeting medieval royalty in the Great Tower to exploring deep underground in the Wartime Tunnels.
"Time travel castle! My imagination was sent into overdrive. Secret tunnels, medieval banquets, beautiful chapels all in one place."
"My favourite castle is Dover because we love pretending to be medieval knights and then straight onto secret WWII operations all in a day!"
"Eight hours of pure pleasure and not a minute unfilled. Best day ever for all ages. Not to be missed.".

2. Kenilworth Castle, Warwickshire

One of the most spectacular castle ruins in the country, Kenilworth is best known as the scene of a royal romance between Elizabeth I and her favourite Robert Dudley. It's that romance which has captured imaginations of our Facebook fans, as they explore the evocative ruins while the kids become 'king of the castle' for a day.
"You can lose yourself in your imagination, transporting yourself back in time - imagining the glitz and glamour of a queen's visit."
"I wonder what this was? What did that look like? I wonder if the Queen was the last person to look out of that window. So thought inspiring."
"Hours of things to see and do along with beautiful heritage for my children to learn from and admire."

3. Tintagel Castle, Cornwall

A place of mystery where the legend of King Arthur was born, it seems many visitors have been picturing themselves as a knight of the round table when exploring the ruins!
"My favourite castle is Tintagel Castle. The kids loved the walk up,the ruins. The King Arthur film was great, and also Merlin's Cave."
"Visited here as a child and was fascinated at the thought of being at Camelot! The epic walk up the old steps. I would love to take my family."
"I love the atmosphere at Tintagel. Whatever the weather, it never fails to disappoint. From paddling to exploring, it's got it all!"

4. Carisbrooke Castle, Isle of Wight

Carisbrooke
This fairytale castle is perhaps most famous as the royal prison of Charles I, and the story of his failed escape - ending up with being wedged between the window bars - has intrigued many visitors! It's not just past residents that fascinate at Carisbrooke though; the famous donkeys who operate the tread wheel in the Elizabethan wheelhouse prove very popular!
"Our family had a brilliant day at this castle our little boy loved dressing up as a knight. We also really enjoyed seeing Jill the donkey."
"It has everything. Royalty tried to escape, royalty stayed there. It's mystical and yet solid. And it has donkeys!"

5. Dunstanburgh Castle, Northumberland

The dramatic ruins of Dunstanburgh have witnessed plenty of action of the years, including fierce fighting during the Wars of the Roses. Now they stand on a remote headland, with beautiful views from the surrounding coastline.
"The coastal walk to the castle followed by the vast site to explore makes this one to return to over again. Atmospheric, stunning, a must!"
"A wonderful kipper lunch in Craster followed by a lovely walk along the coast to Dunstanburgh Castle, history and marvellous views. Perfect."

6. Bolsover Castle, Derbyshire

Be bowled over by Bolsover
Sir William Cavendish used Bolsover as his showpiece party palace in the 17th century, and it's easy to see why. Today you can enjoy beautiful views over the countryside, pretend to be a knight as you explore the ruins and see horses put on dazzling displays in the Riding House. 
"I love Bolsover Castle so much, it has stunning scenery, wonderful extensive grounds, and awesome buildings to lose yourself in the past!"
"I get to be a knight and I love the gift shop." (4 year old visitor)

7. Beeston Castle and Woodland Park, Cheshire

Beeston Big Picture
Beeston is famous for its spectacular views - over eight counties on a clear day! But that's not the only reason for a visit - there are beautiful woodlands to explore, wildlife trails for the kids and the chance to hunt down the lost treasure of Richard II…
"The setting is gorgeous, with wonderful woodland walks and plenty to explore. The castle itself is beautiful with an amazing view."

8. Warkworth Castle, Northumberland

Warkworth Castle and Hermitage
Once home to the powerful Percy family, Warkworth was and remains one of the largest and most impressive fortresses in North East England. It was once home to 'Harry Hotspur', hero of many Border ballads and the bane of Scots raiders.
"My favourite castle is Warkworth because it is everything a castle should be; fortress, home, and (still to me) a sanctuary. I'd live here."
"The ruins allow you to appreciate what an impressive presence it has been for hundreds of years, but still lets your imagination run wild."

9. Framlingham Castle, Suffolk

This magnificent fortress has a long and colourful past, home to Mary Tudor before she became Queen, used as a prison for enemies of the monarch in the 16th century, and later on, used as a Poorhouse. There's now plenty of history to explore, games and interactives for younger visitors and beautiful views to enjoy from the wall walk.
"My family love the castle because you have a true adventure when you visit. You can imagine living here when it was a working castle."

10. Portchester Castle, Hampshire

From the top of the mighty keep at Portchester Castle you can see right out over the harbour, and imagine the castle standing guard over the Solent for hundreds of years. Now you can discover the story of the castle in the exhibition, and the walled grounds make for a perfect spot for a picnic.
"I love Portchester castle, and spend at least a day a month within the grounds and visit the keep at least twice a year. It's just beautiful."
"With a history going back almost 2000 years this place is special amongst British castles. If it could talk imagine the tales it would tell."