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November 30th, 2009 Ashley
If you are planning on renting a Northumberland Cottage this winter, you might want to know what some of the events are, that are happening in the area this month. Here is our break down of some of the best
On Thursday, November 12, Brocksbushes Farm Shop NE43 7UB presents Brockbushes Christmas Fayre. This fayre runs until Sunday the 15th. Here you will have a chance to view, taste and purchase their exclusive range of Christmas delicacies. Along with this is the Craft and Gift Fayre full of locally produced gifts. The event starts at 10;00 and ends at 16:30. This is a free event.
On Saturday, November 14th, visit Winter Wonderland. This event runs until Sunday December 20th. The event will be held at Leaplish Waterside Park, Kielder NE48 1BT, on the shores of Kielder Water. This area will become a winter wonderland full of new surprises and familiar attractions for the entire family. This event starts at 10:00 and the cost is £20.00.
On Friday, November 27, visit The Park, Hexham, NE46 3NB for Christmas Lights Switch On and Late Night Shopping, featuring a special guest for the switch on ceremony. This event starts at 17:00 and it is free of charge.
Saturday December 5, Sunday December 6, Sunday December 13th and Saturday December 19th, enjoy Mrs. Clause and Christmas Crafts at Woodhorn QEII Country Park, Ashington NE63 9YF. Join Mrs. Clause in making all sorts of seasonal decorations. There is no charge for this event.
Starting Friday, December 11th, join Santa in his Grotto and let him know your Christmas wishes. Also, while you’re there, join in with the free drop-in Christmas Craft Activities. This event begins at 15:00 and ends at 18:00 this is a free event. It will be held at Queens Hall Beaumont Street, Hexham NE46 3LS
Saturday, December 12th, visit Hexham Christmas Market at Market Place Hexham NE46 3NB, and enjoy the wonderful selection of produce from local producers. This event starts at 9:00 and ends at 14:00, this is a free event.
On Friday December 18th, enjoy the Candlelit Christmas Concert Tour 2009. The English Philharmonic Ensemble conducted by David Haslam and The Singers will be performing at these special concerts. In addition to the music, enjoy wine and mince pies at the interval. Ticket price is £18, children & senior citizens £16 (complimentary ticket for caregiver). This event is being held at St Cuthbert’s Church, Carlisle.
On Saturday, December 19th, the Hexham Abby will be hosting the continuance of the Candlelit Christmas Concert Tour 2009. The English Philharmonic Ensemble will be performing and during the interval, you can enjoy mulled wine and minced pies. Ticket price £18, children & senior citizens £16 (complimentary ticket for caregiver).
On Sunday December 20th, enjoy making Rudolph’s Rustic Reindeer to decorate your yard for Christmas. All tools and materials are provided. This is good for ages 5 and up. Cost is £10 per reindeer. This event begins at 13:00 and ends at 14:30. The charge for this event is £10.00.
On Monday, December 21st, the Candlelit Christmas Concert Tour moves to St. George’s Church in Jesmond, Newcastle. The English Philharmonic Ensemble will be performing and in the interval, you are invited to enjoy mulled wine and minced pies. Ticket price £18, children & senior citizens £16 (complimentary ticket for caregiver).
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November 29th, 2009 Alex
During winter, remaining safe at the beach is even more important than during summer, as there are not the droves of friendly and ever-helpful tourists on their family holidays about to spot something going wrong. Whilst you might think that it’s easy to stay safe from beach-based dangers by just staying out of the water, this is certainly not the case.
One of the biggest dangers at the beach is getting cut off from the shore. Wandering along the coast is something that is popular at any time of the year, and when you wander too far, only to realise that your route back has become a little more aquatic than it was when you first crossed it, you’re not going to have an enjoyable time.
If you do decide to go in the water, the weather is likely to be far more hazardous than it was in the summer months, and the temperature can do terrible things to your body; shock and hypothermia are killers. Always make sure you’re prepared with a dry suit and enough warm towels to fully dry yourself off after a swim.
Rip tides don’t stop just because there’s nobody in the water. They can sometimes be identified by wave-less, darker sections of water. This video has more tips on spotting a riptide. If you do find yourself pulled into one and nobody else is around, then you’ve made an awful mistake; always have somebody with you when you swim! To escape a rip tide you’re already caught in, swim parallel to the shore, as trying to swim straight back to land will exhaust you and prove fruitless. Once you are back in the normal water, then you can swim to the shore.
Finally, be aware of all the information available from lifeguards or information signs on the beach, which can help you from wandering onto mudflats or quick sand. If you bear all these things in mind, then the beach can make for a great, cheap family holiday.
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November 20th, 2009 Nikki
Set against some of Britain’s most stunning landscapes, the Isle of Wight really is a diamond in the ‘rough’ sea! Once you’ve booked your Bed and Breakfast Isle of Wight and arrived, you’ll get to experience a magnitude of activities from Llama trekking to Tree climbing (you’d be surprised just how much you can do on Isle of Wight breaks) so lets take you through a few ideas:
On Land:
Walking, of course.
The Isle of Wight is a walkers dream with over 500 miles of well-kept footpaths; you’ll get to meander through fields, forests and spectacular coastlines.
Cycling and Mountain Biking:
The Island offers a diverse terrain for you to choose from single track paths to speedy downhill Trails. Test your skills with undulating countryside and steep downhill sections. Or just have a leisurely ride around the town. No pressure!
Horse Riding:
Great hacks across country, with picnic in tow. Who could argue with that?
Golf
If you like. I’m not so sure you’ll have time on your Isle of Wight short break but some may disagree.
On Water:
Sailing - Cowes - The birthplace of yacht racing. You can’t go to the island and not try a spot of sailing.
Kite Surfing:
Fast, skilful and furious for the adrenalin junkies out there. Any takers?
On Air:
Gliding: 2, 000 feet up experience the thrill of silent flying and all the magnificent views you’ll take in of the island, cliffs and beaches.
Paragliding:
Choose from 12 flying sites on the island that cater for all wind directions and offer a good terrain.
Flying:
Choose either a pleasure flight or take the controls, how brave do you feel? Whether you like microlights, fixed wing aircraft or high tech helicopters there’s a choice for you.
On Second Thoughts:
If you don’t mind, I’ll give the whole activity thing a miss and meet you in the pub, there are plenty of decent ones to try on the island to keep me busy everyday!
Cheers!
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November 20th, 2009 Ben
With over 30 quality attractions within a 50 miles radius you are never short of something to do. In fact the difficult is choosing which places to visit in the time you have available. To help those on a short break in Wales decide how best to spend their time we have selected our favourite 3 leisure destinations.
1. Teifi Valley Railway
This well known narrow gauge railway is keeping the age of steam alive. The 2 mile track runs along the original route of the Great Western Railway which used to run through rural west Wales. This has to be one of the most scenic miniature railways in the UK with fantastic views across the Teifi Valley. 2 steam locomotives run a regular service and allow visitors a close up look when stopped at the station. In addition to the attraction of seeing these fantastic engines in action and the stunning countryside they pass through there are also several other activities on site. These include a woodland walk that allows you to safely take some trackside photos, 3 playgrounds for children of all ages and a crazy golf course.
2. Felinwynt Rainforest Centre
If the Welsh weather gods are not being kind to you, you may be cursing staying in a Wales holiday cottage. Well the Felinwynt Rainforest Centre gives visitors the chance to leave Wales behind and be transported halfway across the globe to the Brazilian rainforest. A tropical hothouse is home to a range of exotic flora & fauna who all feel at home in the warm moist environment regulated by a large man-made waterfall, stream & pond system. Visitors can see some beautiful flowers and meet the inhabitants of the tropical house which include leaf cutter ants and a variety of stunning butterflies. The knowledgeable owners are often on hand to answer questions and provide further information on rainforests. There is also a lovely café and well stocked shop with a range of gifts.
3. Kidwelly Tinplate Museum
Take the chance to explore the rich industrial past of Wales with a visit to Kidwelly Tinplate Museum. This is the oldest Tinplate works in Britain and the area in general was the tinplate manufacturing centre of the world in the 19th Century. The importance of the area in the 19th Century is typified by it’s nickname - Tinopolis.
Entrance to the museum is free and with a range of original artefacts and in situation tinplate machinery you are sure to gain a unique insight into the history of tinplate in the area.
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November 19th, 2009 Alex
Something I have wanted to do for years now, but have never gotten around to it, is to visit Paington Zoo. I live in Devon, and it could quite easily be accomplished in a day, yet it’s the people staying in a Devon holiday park who enjoy everything the county has to offer.
I started seriously thinking about it a month ago, at which point it was no longer summer, and the idea of walking around outside to see animals that probably weren’t enjoying the cold themselves wasn’t particularly appealing. Knowing my luck, it would probably rain as well.
Then, I started looking at their website and noticed the crocodile swamp they now have. What I also noticed is that over the winter months they are running a feeding exhibit, the next of which is in December. At these, you get to see the crocodiles being fed, though the name kind of gives that away.
This might be what I needed to motivate me to go there. Now all it relies on is getting the time off work.
This is a perfect example of something that is local to me that I’ve never been to. People on Devon holidays go all the time, but locals don’t. It’s worth taking a look at where you live and seeing if there’s anything like this, and it’s definitely worth finding out about opportunities like this before you take a holiday anywhere. They can add so much more to the experience.
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November 18th, 2009 Nikki
Measuring just 12 miles from North to South and 23 miles from East to West you’d be forgiven for thinking the Isle of Wight has little to offer but far could be from the truth. I couldn’t possibly list ALL the things to do on the island in one post so I am going to concentrate on the beaches; after all, it is surrounded by coastline! So, for all those who enjoy a good walk or sit or swim or relax or run or cuddle on a beautiful beach, here are six of the best to do it on:
- Sandown Beach: Only metres away from the town’s shops, cafes and pubs, Sandown’s huge gold, sandy beach offers fabulous water sports and is as popular now as it was back in the Victorian era.
- Ryde Beach: The coastline offers a funfair, trampolines, amusements and even an ice rink, making it one of the most popular beaches for tourists. Head south to Appley and you’ll experience a quieter atmosphere and a lovely canoe lake.
- Steephill Cove: With a few cottages, lobster pots and an old donkey this is probably one of the islands best kept secrets, so don’t tell everyone! The Cove is like stepping back in time and has managed to keep its wonderful traditional feel.
- Ventor Beach: This beautiful beach is sheltered by high cliffs and acts as a welcoming sun trap (or wind shield). A backdrop of cafes and restaurants awaits you for the most civilised day out.
- Compton Bay: Between Freshwater Bay and Brook this sandy beach is a definite favourite for surfers, wind surfers and kite surfers alike. Make a visit at low tide and you’ll get to see dinosaur footprints in the rocks.
- Colwell Bay: Offering stunning views of the solvent this wide sweeping bay has lots of sandcastle building opportunities. Clean waters, calm seas and a gentle slope make this a particularly family friendly beach.
This time of year, you can also take advantage of some fabulous deals for holiday accommodation in Shanklin, one of the most desirable places to stay on the island. So, book a Shanklin Hotel while you can and make sure you visit the six must see beaches on the Isle of Wight.
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November 17th, 2009 Ben
One of the star attractions of Bath this autumn is the return of the Bath Film Festival 2009. This year sees one of the strongest line ups of films yet with a number of exclusive previews as well as the appearance of some of the films talent. As well as the best of British and Hollywood films the festival will also be showing documentaries and a collection of sporting themed films.
Some of the film highlight of this year’s festival includes the new Steven Soderbergh film “The Informant” staring Matt Damon. Stephen Poliakoff will be attending the festival in person to present his new film “Glorious 39″ which is set during the build up to World War Two and stars Romola Garai (star of BBC 1 adaptation of Emma and Atonement), Bill Nighy and Eddie Redmayne (The Good Shepherd, The Other Boleyn Girl and Tess of the D’Urbervilles)
Some documentaries to look out for at this years festival includes Afgan Star which follows contestants of Afghanistan’s very first TV talent show and discovers how the people of Afghanistan have taken to this new kind of show. Afgan Star has already caused a sensation and has one the Sundance award for Best Director and the Audience Award.
In between the many cinema visits you will be making you should take some time to explore the beautiful city of Bath. There are so many great attractions and places to visit that a short break in Bath will make an ideal pre Christmas getaway. There are a number of fine hotels and bed and breakfasts in Bath to stay in during your visit and plenty of fantastic restaurants to spend a romantic evening to create a really enjoyable city break.
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November 16th, 2009 Alex
The summer just gone, some friends and I made plans to take a three day trip walking along the north coast of Devon. We’d stop off over night at campsites, or any holiday parks that allowed tents, and carry everything we needed on our backs.
I was probably the keenest member of our party, researching routes, places we could stop and rest for lunch and sleep, getting together some of the essential equipment, scrounging tents of various people. Having written that, I realise that I wasn’t just the keenest, but probably the only person with organisational skills.
Anyway, we had alcohol, food, tents, friends, everything for a great holiday. As long as nobody got drunk and stumbled off a cliff then it’d be plain sailing. We were even going to stop by the sea a few times and make a mini UK beach holiday out of it.
Unfortunately, due to schedule conflicts, the trip never took place. Either people were going back to their universities to perform with bands, or going to the largest open air heavy metal festival in the world. Somebody was busy making a film as well.
Oh well. There’s always next summer.
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November 13th, 2009 Alex
Who can forget the snow that locked up parts of England last year? People couldn’t make it to work, everything was coated in white, and wherever was hottest became a communal gathering place.
It was brilliant.
Scotland, being further north, had it even better, with up to sixteen inches of snow falling in some places. If anything close to that is predicted this winter, then I can’t think of anything better to do than gather food, drink, music (portable and battery powered in case of power cuts) and friends, and head to a holiday cottage in Scotland, perhaps one of the Argyll cottages, or maybe somewhere higher up.
Once there, you wait for the snow to set in whilst making sure you have plenty of wood, coal, or whatever the fireplace requires, and have yourself a merry little lock-in.
As the snow and wind billows around outside, you stay warm and cosy in with your friends in one of the holiday cottages in Scotland, eating drinking and being merry.
Sounds like the perfect blizzard to me.
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November 10th, 2009 Ben
Christmas, it’s the most wonderful time of the year; well it is if you visit Bath this festive period. This historic city really comes alive at Christmas with a range of special events taking place right across the city and surrounding areas.
The star attraction of this winter wonderland is the hugely popular Bath
Christmas Market, which this year takes place 26th November to 6th December. Each year one of the most picturesque areas of the city between the glorious Bath Abbey and world famous Roman Baths is transformed into a shopping haven.
123 traditional wooden chalets will grace this year’s market; each will be offering their own unique gifts, decorations and delicious food and drink, pretty much everything you need for a great Christmas.
If all this shopping is not enough for you then there will be plenty of entertainment provided to delight and enthrall people of all ages. This year there will be carol singers of course as well as musicians and children’s entertainers. For a special experience a visit to the markets beautiful back drop, Bath Abbey, is a must. The Abbeys choir will fill the beautiful building with spin tingling performances which drift out from the Abbey right across the market. For a more spiritual experience the Abbey will also be holding special shortened services especially for busy shoppers.
Other festive events to look out for include a special festive trail at the National arboretum, Sleeping Beauty at the Theatre Royal, performances by the Bath Philharmonia and a Jane Austen Regency Christmas.
If you fancy turning your Christmas trip to Bath into something a little bit more special then there are plenty of fine Bath Hotels to provide accommodation for a Bath Short Break.
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