Category Archives: adventure

Cyclists ride through Bath in force

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This July will see thousands of cyclists descend on the World Heritage City of Bath in a mass five-mile cycle ride. The event has been organised by British Cycling and Sky and is one of 12 taking place across the country on 25th July 2010.

It is hoped this fantastic event will increase the number of visitors for short break in Bath, allowing them to take part in the bike ride and then be able to enjoy all the attractions the city has to offer. The council, who are helping to organise the event, are hoping that this cycle ride will put the city on the map and will attract many more cyclist to the city. They also hope it will have a knock on affect to the people of Bath and encourage them to cycle more as not only does it help the environment but it is also great for your health. Cycling has been identified as one of the very best methods that people can use to incorporate physical activity into their every day lives.

It’s not just the locals and cycling enthusiasts that can take part, it is also hoped that people on holiday in Bath will also take up the opportunity to get involved. The ride is certainly family friendly as it is non competitive and is open to people of all ages. The cycle ride would be a fantastic family activity that not only helps keep you fit but is also a great way to see the city and will provide plenty of fantastic memories for years to come.

5 Great things to do in Bedfordshire

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Although Bedfordshire is perhaps less popular than some other counties in the running for top destinations to visit in England, it is by no means lacking in the things to do and see category and should not be underestimated. Amongst the many things to do in Bedfordshire here is a snapshot of some of the most popular

  1. Shuttleworth Old Warden Park: Right in the centre of 500 acres of historic parkland, this country house hosts events, fairs and Summer Camps as well as having a Bird of Prey Centre and Jubilee Play Centre.
  2. Woodside Animal Farm and Leisure Park: This award winning farm has more animals than any other farm within London, Herts, Beds or Bucks! There are plenty of things to see and do to keep the whole family amused here.
  3. Hoo Hill Maze: Who doesn’t love a maze? This one is set within an orchard and measures 30 metres square. With a nice gravel pathway it is suitable for any kind of weather and the whole maze can even be hired out for a private occasion.
  4. For those who fancy letting off some energy there is Tiddenfoot Leisure Centre, with a 30 metre swimming pool, multi use sports hall, fitness suite and health suite.
  5. Wild Britain: Get an opportunity to be a safari spotter for the day, get hands on if you dare with the creepy crawlies and even take your own art creations home with you.

People travel far and wide to holiday in Bedfordshire and with this little snippet of things to do and see is it any wonder?

Outdoor adventures in Woolacombe

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North Devon has a lot to offer for so many people and none more so than the adventurous.  Usually associated with the calm and tranquil atmosphere of the relaxing coast line and scenic views, you may be surprised that there is something on offer for those looking for much more of an adrenalin rush.

With North Devon having such a vast and varied landscape it provides a great opportunity to do something a little different. Horse riding, coasteering, High ropes, Mountain biking, Surfing, climbing and abseiling. These opportunities aren’t just available for people having a Short Break in North Devon, the locals can get involved to. So what can you expect?

Horse riding is a great way to travel around the countryside on a slow paced horse and really absorb the scenic views that the North Devon countryside has to offer.

Coasteering will provide you with an ideal opportunity to explore the coastlines of North Devon and the surrounding water. Get to grips with the stunning rock formations as well as the fresh local ocean water.

The high ropes will offer you and your friends the chance to scale various high walls of different sizes and challenges that will really put you through your paces. Then complete the course with an adrenalin rushing zip wire before coming to a well deserved rest.

Mountain biking could be a great chance for you to explore large areas of the land quite quickly. Through a various levels of terrains you will really get chance to explore the paths that you may not have found on your own.

What North Devon break would be the same without a spot of surfing? You will want to make the most of the waves that come to wonderful areas like Woolacombe Bay. Professional lessons and advice is on hand for those that need it.

If you are looking for something that means no more keeping your feet on the ground then North Devon has that too. There are some great places to learn climbing and abseiling for those with a head for heights.  You will be able to learn how to scale some impressive height and come back safely down to earth.

This should provide you more than enough to do on your North Devon day out or holiday break so make sure you experience a little more of North Devon than the relaxing and scenic atmosphere.

Things To Do In Bedfordshire

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If you are in or around Bedfordshire this Spring and are wondering what Activities Bedfordshire has to offer then look no further than here. One of the most exciting places you could visit now is Whipsnade Zoo where you’ll be treated to the sight of a baby elephant, just one month old. The Zoo keepers watched over the mother, named Karishma, a twelve year old Asian elephant whist she gave birth to the baby who is yet to be named but can be found finding his feet and entertaining visitors with his inquisitive nature and bundles of energy.

The Zoo is home to some 2, 500 other animal residents, from Monkeys to Rhinos, Lions to giraffes and many more. It offers opportunities to be a zoo keeper for the day helping muck out the enclosures along with walks on the wild side with Lemurs as well as the everyday sights and sounds the Zoo has to offer which both adults and children will love.

Amongst these include the ‘Activity Room’ where you get to spot the animals in camouflage and make your own badge at the end of it, something for the kids! The ‘Giraffe Browse’ where you get to see these amazing animals munch on their browse in the afternoon. Then there’s the ‘Sea Lion Splash’, watching the lively water babies entertain you and snack on their favourite feeding treats. There is the Jumbo Express that runs daily which takes you around the territories of some of the magnificent animals at Whipsnade Zoo and many more daily activities.

In fact there are so many activities on offer that it may be worth booking a Bedfordshire Hotel to make sure you and your family get to see and do everything this zoo has to offer!

Explore Cornwall Car Free

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What would happen if you left your car parked on the drive of your Cornwall holiday cottage? It might seem like a bit of an inconvenience at first but it could prove to be a green and fun way to explore Cornwall.

Leaving your car at your cottage will open up a whole new world of transport options for you, be they on the road, water, across open countryside or even up in the air. Cornwall has a wide transport network that allows you easy access too many of the county’s best holiday attractions.

Getting out of the car also allows you a completely different view of Cornwall’s beauty. What better way to see Cornwall than by walking or cycling along the county’s walkways, bridle paths and cycle lanes. This way not only do you get some exercise and save on your carbon footprint but you also get to be up close and personal with the Cornish countryside.

If you want to give your feet a rest why not take to the water and take a trip on a ferry. There are a number of different ferry routes that will take you along the beautiful Cornish coast offering you a stunning view of some of Britain’s most beautiful coastline.

If you are feeling particularly adventurous then why not take to the sky with a hot air balloon trip and get a birds eye view of the Cornish countryside.

As if that was not enough incentive to leave the car behind some attractions even offer discounts and rewards if you turn up car free!

North Devon and Exmoor Walking Festival

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Walking Festival

Life can be hectic from time to time.  All of us are subject to busy schedules that do not seem to calm down.  Sadly the second life seems to calm, the business resumes.  Therefore, it seems like the only way to ensure that you get the rest you need is to plan a holiday.  Scheduling a holiday will allow you to find refuge from your normal routine and enjoy the beautiful areas that the world has to offer.  And fortunately, you do not have to go far.  There are great areas in England to visit.  Consider taking short breaks in Woolacombe.  A weekend holiday at this fun area of North Devon will provide you with entertainment, relaxation, and beauty.  And you might want to go to the area when they are holding their walking festival.

Most Scenic Walking Festival

The North Devon and Exmoor Walking Festival was voted the most scenic walking festival by Country Life Magazine.  Those that have walked this festival already know this.  There are easy walks that you can do with your family, challenging hikes, and so many breathtaking views of the countryside.  This event occurs annually and it is beloved by many.  It is a great option for a weekend holiday.

84 Guided Walks

The festival offers 84 guided walks.  These walks have added up over the years as the festival has gained popularity.  Some of the walks are half day and others are full days.  They range from 2 miles to 10 miles.  Therefore, there is a perfect walk for every participant.

Different Types of Walks

In addition, the walks are meant to please those that walk them.  There are different types to suit the personality of those that walk them.  There are food walks, safari walks, island walks, and more.  The goal is to offer choice in an effort to accommodate the tastes of those that decide to participate.

Sign Up NOW

If you are interested in walking this amazing festival, sign up now.  Many of the walks are already fully booked.  However, there is still availability for some of the walks, allowing for opportunity to explore the fun areas of North Devon.  If you are interested, do not hesitate.  It will be an experience you will remember forever.  This is an exciting activity for al to participate in.  And the sooner you sign up the better!  Be apart of the fun and adventure.

Beach Activities, Kite Surfing

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kite surfing

One of the most popular activities around the world is to hang out at the beach and participate in the many different activities.  The beach is synonymous with fun, adventure, relaxation, and more.  Almost everyone you meet loves the beach.  This is true of those that visit Devon.  The come to the area to relax and hang out in a beautiful area of England.  Devon has amazing beaches and the activities that you can participate in on the miles of coastline are incredible.  They will truly make your holiday memorable.  So if you are camping in Devon, make sure that you take the time to go to the beach.  And if you are adventurous enough, you might consider trying kite surfing!

Kite Surfing

Kite surfing is a pretty sport.  If you are sitting on the beach, you’ve probably admired those kite surfers that are flying above the ocean in the beautiful kites.  The sport seems to be so liberating.  And those that participate in it obviously feel this way.  However, they also have to know how to kite surf to begin with.

Beginners Welcome

If you want to experience the thrill of kite surfing, beginners are welcome on the beautiful beaches of Devon – although you probably want to start with a lesson on kite surfing.  Look for an area with a lot of open beach.  This will provide you with opportunity to practice.  And it will allow you to fall or mess up without getting in the way of others.  Also, windy weather will help you succeed better.

Find A School In Devon

It might be a good idea to find a school in Devon.  The school will provide you with some basic lessons.  You will learn how to control your power kite.  And the good thing about a school is they usually provide the equipment you need so you won’t have to buy or rent it.

Equipment

Lastly, equipment is vital to success kite surfing.  Most kite surfers use inflatable kites because they allow you to relaunch.  In addition to a kite you might want a life jacket and a helmet.  These will allow you to be safe on the water.  Also, make sure that you are safe while you are kite surfing.  You should have good swimming skills, a basic understanding of the water, currents, and wind.  You will learn this in a class.  But keep in mind the more prepared you are, the safer you will be while you are one the water.

Take a Trip Back to Childhood in Hartfield & Ashdown Forest

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As people grow older, they frequently leave behind their childhood friends, and their faces, voices, and all the things that they used to do together are forgotten. The same is true of the stories and books that we enjoy as children. As we grow older they are left behind for another generation to enjoy.

Hartfield, in East Sussex, gives you the opportunity to recapture all the magic and delight of childhood once more, by allowing you to wander through a place that’s brought a sense of wonder and adventure into children’s lives for decades and decades. The stories of that are set in the nearby Ashdown Forest are those of Winnie-the-Pooh, and the forest is better known to fans of those stories as Hundred Acre Wood (although, actually, Hundred Acre Wood was just a section of the forests that Winnie-the-Pooh and his friends inhabited. The forest itself can be more accurately referred to as ‘Pooh’s Wood’).

Hartfield can be reached from any East Sussex hotel, and from there a twenty minute walk can take you into the forest. Once you’re between the trees, setting out to find the famous locations from the Winnie-the-Pooh stories is perfectly possible. The areas that Christopher Robin and his possibly-make-believe friends visited were all based on the areas that the A.A. Milne’s (ie. The author’s) son (ie. The real Christopher Robin, who was also called Christopher Robin) went to explore. This means that visitors to the forest can play Pooh-sticks on Pooh-sticks Bridge, visit Galleon’s Lap (in reality called Gill’s lap, and a spot from which an excellent Pooh walk starts, which takes people around most of what they wish to see), the Heffalump Trap, Roo’s Sandy Pit and, of course, Eeyore’s Sad and Gloomy Place.

It might be worth starting from one of the forest car parks rather than Hartfield itself, and these are easily accessed from anywhere in East Sussex, including cottages or a Rye hotel.

The Devil’s Arse

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Nestled in the Derbyshire Peak District, near the honey pot village of Castleton, there lies the Devil’s Arse. Emerging from it is the Peakhole Water, which flows down through the village and into the River Noe. Because of the attraction of the Devil’s Arse and other nearby caves, as well as the appeal of the beautiful village of Castleton, the Peak District cottages available in and near the village are in high demand.

The Devil’s Arse itself gets its name due to the fart-like noises that the cave produces from within. As water splashes inside the cave, the echoes are transformed by the bizarre acoustics of the rock structure to make it sound to those on the outside like the cave has a problem with flatulence.

There are plenty of stories about the cave, and it has an interesting history too. It’s said to be the place where thieves’ cant, a secret language used by thieves to communicate in public without raising the suspicions of guards, was invented during a meeting between Cock Lorel, the leader of rogues and thieves, and the King of the Gypsies. This story probably comes from the fact that the deepest, darkest, dankest depths of the cave were used by bandits for hiding.

The cave was also the last place in Britain where troglodytes, people who lived in caves, existed. Up until 1915 they lived in houses built inside the mouth of the cave and made a living of making rope.

The cave was officially known as the Devil’s Arse right up until 1880, when Queen Victoria paid a visit to a concert. It was renamed “Peak Cavern” in order to stop her from being offended, but recently, people staying at holiday cottages in the Peak District have been able to enjoy the Devil’s Arse under its older, far ruder name.

Kite Flying on Dunstable Downs

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Kite Flying

This weekend, why not step outside and take a brisk walk along Dunstable Downs, Bedfordshire? This beautiful countryside will provide an exhilarating walk for you and your family if you are looking for things to do in Bedfordshire. Along the way you will discover diverse wildlife, Iron Age hill forts and burial mounds but make particular effort to look out for Five Knolls, a scheduled ancient monument which is the largest round barrow cemetery in Bedfordshire. Lying on the edge of the Downs, there are visible burial mounds which are seen as bumps belonging to the late Neolithic and bronze age. Drovers Way is part of a network of tracks and paths which were traditionally used to take livestock to market by Drovers. Wildlife is especially interesting as the chalk grasslands support a wide range of rare wild flowers and butterflies like the chalk hill blue and Duke of Burgundy.

But if you and your family are looking for something a bit more exciting then Dunstable Downs can facilitate, set so high, it provides a fantastic opportunity for kite flyers and Para gliders and has become famous for it. The National Trust has a Visitors Centre at the very top of the Downs where you can buy a kite and get some advice on constructing it and also tips on how to fly it. Their selection offers something for beginners right up to professionals so there is something for all levels. Anyone that is on a Bedfordshire Holiday shouldn’t be allowed to leave until they have flown a kite on the Dunstable Downs. The challenge has been set.